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Category Archives: Urban Decay

It’s back to reality with a thump this week. The Royal Wedding’s over, Easter’s over, the endless run of bank holidays are over and we’re back to the 9-5 grind – Booo!

Before we slip into another Blue Monday, hatch a plan to cheer yourself up… WARNING, it could cost you money.

1. Paint your nails

I’ve painted mine shocking pink today and I must admit, every time I look down at my hands I feel quite proud of my bright finger nails and they’ve caught many an admiring glance. I’m wearing No7 Foxglove – two coats with a base and top coat.

2. Treat yourself to some summer make up

Especially important if you also happen to be having a fat day. Something like a bronzer or a bright lipstick should do the job. I just purchased a gorgeous 17 Lasting Fix Lipstick in Hawaii Pink £4.79. Perfect for that LIP N GO look. There are few things I love more than make up, but the Sun I worship. So when it’s shining I can’t afford to waste vital tanning time applying a face full of make up, nor would I want to. However I still want to look summery and fresh, so I slapped on some bright lipstick with some concealer and a touch of mascara and I’m good to go.

A new bronzer is also a good idea. In the summer months you can normally afford to go up a shade. I love the look of Urban Decay’s new Bronzing Powder £20 and my much loved Guerlain Terracota Four Seasons Bronzer needs a little break – at £46 it’s not for daily use.

This lovely, fine bronzer is baked in an oven and even hand-finished. Great for fake tan phobics, this beauty gives a gorgeous light, golden glow for a sunkissed look. Speaking of which…

3. Fake it to make it

Most of us look, and feel better with a summer glow. I’m all for safe sunning, but it can be a slow process and it doesn’t hurt to give yourself a head start – especially your legs! It’s pretty scary unveiling those white, spikey, scaly tree trunks at the start of the summer months, but it’s amazing what a shave and a hint of colour can do.

San Tropez, still an eternal classic, is a great false tan, but can be messy and stains your clothes. I reserve it for events – weddings, holidays etc. For frequent use, I prefer everyday tanning lotions like Dove’s Summer Glow Body Lotion. Slap it on after your shower, wait a few minutes to dry and you’re good to go.

Follow these steps (or some of your own mini pick me ups) and voile, a whole new you. And if that doesn’t work, there’s another bank holiday in three weeks.

I wonder how poor Kate Middleton’s feeling a week on– the fairy tale wedding is over, her new hubby’s back at work and she’s holed up at home… except home is a palace so boo hoo.

To celebrate their 15th anniversary, Urban Decay have just released this mouth-watering set of 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are one of their best selling and most coverted products. Famed for their soft, creamy, yet longlasting texture and plethora of vibrant, on trend shades.

The range of shades includes lush tropical hues, deep metallics, and unusually vibrant neutrals. Favorites like Zero, Bourbon and Electric sit side-by-side with SIX brand-new shades like Asphyxia, Stray Dog and the pi¡ce de r sistance: Perversion a blacker-than-Zero black. Each pencil is stamped with UD15 . The whole collection (and a sharpener!) comes packaged in a silver foil box.

Individually these pencils would set you back over £160, so at £60, £4 per eyeliner, I’d says it’s pretty damn worth it! Available now at Debenhams, form an ordely queue ladies!

Proving that you don’t need a celebrity bank balance to look like one, I’ve tried and tested some of the best budget beauty buys and they’re all under a tenner!

Barry M Nail Paint, £2.99 each

Great quality, great price and available in a rainbow of colours it’s no wonder Barry M nail varnished have just won In Style’s Best Beauty Buy’s 2011 “best inexpensive nail varnishe” category. Available from Boots and Superdrug stores.

L’Oreal True Match Touche Magique £7.19

The minute I stopped comparing every under eye concealer to the wonder that is the YSL touche eclat, I discovered lots of great alternatives. Cheaper versions are never going to be the same, they’re usually thicker, more pigmented, but that aint necessarily a bad thing! L’Oreal’s Touche Magique is great for dark bags and also packs enough punch for the odd blemish, and at £7.19 you can bag 3 for the price of 1 touche eclat.

Topshop Kohl Eye Pencils £4

Deep, intense colour in a gliding and soft pencil to give easy and precise application. Velvety finish and deep colour with just one stroke of this soft kohl pencil. Avilable in fantastic shades including Dragon Fly and Petrol.

No7 Limited Edition Spring Collection Lipstick £10

New to the No7 range for Spring/Summer 11. These soft moisturising lipsticks available in two shades – Brigitte a pale and pouty pink shade and Grace, a warm, peachy pale coral. You had me at the packaging. Catch them quick in Boots stores now!

Since hitting the market in 2009, these falsies have gone down a storm. Five styles available, each designed by your favourite member of girls aloud. Featuring an easy application design, with a glue adhesive and a contact lens friendly design. I highly recommend Nadine’s bambi esque lashes! Available from good chemists and department stores.

Over 60, yes 60 colurs available in stylish matt, sexy shimmer and glam glitter for every look and mood. The colours are intense, rich and vibrant and you don’t need to use much to create fab looks and effects. Right now on Models Own website, buy 3 for £12. Also available at Boots and Superdrug stores.

Carmex Cherry Lip Balm £2.50

Available since 1937, this culy beauty buy has sold over 1 billion jars Worldwide, now available in Cherry flavour – yum yum! Perfect for soft, kissable lips. Never be caught without yours, I have on in my bag, one on my desk and one next to the bed. 3 for 2 now at Superdrug.

No7 Eye Shadow Blend and Contour Brush £6.60

I’m a big fan of No7 brushes, in my opinion they’re every inch as good as many expensive rivals. High quality, super soft bristles and large head area make this brush perfect for blending eye shadow along the lid area and beyound. A great go-to brush for everyday use. Also highly recommended in this range, the foundation brush, but at £12, doesn’t qualify in this category.

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Caked

I’m a self confessed make up addict. I love to try it, apply it, wearing it and buy it! If, like me, you love to test new products, experiment with trends, track down the best deals and stalk celebrity style, then you’ll love CAKED.